In the Heavenly Court, Bo Yikao's face was as dark as water as he strode straight through the celestial palace.
"Ziwei Emperor!"
Just then, beneath another pavilion, Taishang, with a whisk draped over his arm, smiled and said, "In such a hurry—where are you off to?"
"Taishang!"
Bo Yikao's steps paused, and when he turned his head, he had once again assumed that gentle, refined appearance. He smiled and said, "I had nothing to do, so I was just taking a walk. What is Taishang doing here?"
"Waiting for the Emperor!"
Taishang smiled.
"Waiting for me?"
After a moment of surprise, Bo Yikao smiled. "Interesting. Does Taishang have business with This Emperor?"
Taishang did not speak, merely smiled as he watched Bo Yikao, his gaze deep, as if it could pierce straight into the heart.
Bo Yikao also smiled with an utterly open expression.
"I do!"
Taishang smiled with certainty, raised a hand, and with a sweep, a chessboard appeared on the table. "I heard Ziwei Emperor is also a master of this art. Since you have nothing to do today, might you be willing to exchange a few moves?"
"Since Taishang has so warmly invited me, This Seat would be discourteous to refuse. I shall make a fool of myself, then."
After a flicker of uncertainty passed over Bo Yikao's expression, he sat down. As he picked up the chess box from the board, he smiled and said, "This Seat heard Taishang often plays against the Heavenly Emperor. I wonder, how is the Heavenly Emperor's skill at chess?"
"The Heavenly Emperor's skill at chess?"
Taishang Laojun chuckled softly. "Not worth mentioning."
Bo Yikao was astonished. "How could that be? This Seat heard he and Taishang often fight to an inextricable draw, evenly matched!"
The corner of Taishang's mouth twitched.